The most common items dogs choke on
There are all sorts of items that could be a choking hazard for dogs but did you know many of them could be lying around your house? Steer your pooch away from these potential dangers for their sake and yours!
Sticks. There’s no doubt that dogs love sticks but vets don’t recommend playing fetch with sticks. Not only can it cause intestinal damage if the stick splinters when swallowed but there has also been many eye and mouth injuries as a result of dogs running with a stick.
Cooked bones. These can splinter when chewed and break into small, sharp fragments that can harm dogs. It’s best to stick to chew toys.
Gristle. It’s a popular table scrap to feed dogs but gristle can be difficult to chew and can be a choking hazard for gulping dogs. Just make sure to cut pieces in small sizes.
Chew toys. Not all chew toys are created equally so make sure the chew toy is made of safe material, large enough not to swallow and durable. Squeaky toys with small movable parts can be a potential choking hazard as well.
Kids toys. If you’ve got young grandkids and their toys over keep an eye out for curious dogs looking for small items to chew.
Balls. Even the right sized rubber ball can easily be chewed up by a dog and thereby become a potential danger. Look for any deterioration and replace when necessary.
Rocks. Many a dog loves to grind and chew on a rock but just like sticks they pose a risk to dogs. Even if digested, rocks can become lodged in the intestines.
Plastic wrap. Dogs won’t go seeking out plastic wrap unless it’s wrapped around delicious smelling food. Their lack of opposable thumbs means they won’t unwrap the food before consuming so always store food safely.
String, rubber bands, hair bands and even dental floss. These are all too easy to swallow by inquisitive pets and can cause serious intestinal blockages.
Rawhide. These dog chews carry a higher risk of choking than other chews because of their consistency. Although they start out hard when soaked in dog’s saliva they become soft and soggy. Make sure you are supervising and once soft, take it away and let it re-harden.
Human medication. Pills, vitamins, ointments and creams can all be toxic to animals. Keep medical items away from dogs that can chew right through them and find any dropped pills.